The family of Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, has announced his passing.
According to an official statement issued by his son, Jideofor Ezea, the lawmaker died at a private hospital in Lagos at about 11:07 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, after a brief illness.
Until his death, Senator Ezea was described as an active and influential voice in the 10th National Assembly.
At the start of the legislative session, he served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
He later assumed other strategic roles, including Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development.
At the time of his passing, he was Vice Chairman of both the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, as well as the Senate Committee on Culture and the Creative Economy.
The late senator’s legislative career was marked by several impactful bills and motions. Notably, he sponsored the bill establishing the Federal College of Agriculture, Adani, and vigorously pushed for the creation of Adada State—an effort he continued to champion despite his failing health.
He also led motions aimed at addressing insecurity, including calling for the establishment of a military base in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area to curb frequent attacks by armed herdsmen.
Before securing his Senate seat in 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party, Senator Ezea had been a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State.
He previously contested the governorship three times—twice under the Labour Party, in 2007 and 2011, and again under the APC in 2015. His eventual Senate victory in 2023, where he defeated an incumbent governor, was widely regarded as a major milestone in his political career.
Outside elective office, Senator Ezea also held national appointments, including serving as Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, Taraba State.
The statement further highlighted that until his passing, he remained the only federal lawmaker from Enugu State elected on the Labour Party platform in 2023 who refused to defect to the ruling party—despite pressure—standing firmly by the party that sponsored him to the Senate.
Senator Okey Ezea is survived by his wife, Chioma, and four children.
The family has requested prayers and support during this difficult period.
